The Kentucky Wesleyan College wrestling program has announced the addition of 19 new members on Thursday, as announced by Head Coach Rob McCabe. The 2021 recruiting class originates from seven different states with the most coming from Georgia (6). The tri-state of Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois collectively produced nine new additions to the 2021-22 roster. McCabe addressed the programs need for depth at various weight classes as well as solidifying the upper weights. The Panthers will be starting their fourth season of competition this winter.
Gabe Adams – 133 – Union County High/Lindsey Wilson College – Stugis, KY
- Transfer from Lindsey Wilson College where he competed last season at 133 pounds and finished 6th at the Mid-South Conference tournament after suffering an injury in the semifinals.
- A four-time state placer
- Two-time state finalist for the Braves who won four team titles through his high school career.
- Pursuing a degree in Fitness and Sports Management
- Chose Wesleyan because of the opportunity to help build a championship program and the proximity to home.
Cameron Baker – 174 – Apollo High – Owensboro, KY
- Regional champion
- Two-time Regional finalist at 170 pounds.
- Pursuing a degree in Education.
- Chose Wesleyan because it is close to home and the close-knit team atmosphere.
Jaden Browder – 184 – LaPorte High – Laporte, Ind.
- A two-time semi-state qualifier and conference champion at 182 pounds.
- Pursuing a degree in Business Management
- Chose Wesleyan because of the great community of positive individuals, along with a program that could make anyone feel welcome.
Dakota Brooksbank – 197 – Simeon Kenton – Piner, KY
- 2021 State champion at 220 pounds.
- Two-time state placer and three-time state qualifier.
- Pursuing a degree in Criminology
- Chose Wesleyan because of the surrounding area and community.
Dominick Ciccolella – 149 – Huntsville High – Huntsville, Ala.
- Fifth place 152 pounds at the 2021 state tournament.
- Two-time state qualifier at 138 and 152.
- Pursuing a degree in Forensic Science
- Chose Wesleyan because it was a great school and personal fit.
Tomy Duke – 125 – Gordon Lee High – Chickamauga, Ga.
- Three-time state qualifier at 120, 126, and 132.
- Pursuing a degree in Physical Science or Business
- Chose Wesleyan because of the great atmosphere.
Cameron Fleming – 197 – Eastside High – Covington, Ga.
- Two-time state qualifier at 220 pounds
- Two-time metro finalist.
- Pursuing a degree in Graphic Design
- Chose Wesleyan because he enjoyed the coaching staff and the small campus feel.
Eric Fuqua III – 125 – Eagles Landing High – McDonough, Ga.
- Two-time state placer capping of a top-6 finish as a senior at 120 pounds.
- Pursuing a degree in Psychology and Criminal justice
- Chose Wesleyan because he liked the team atmosphere and what is provide academically and athletically to achieve his goals.
Hunter Fuqua – 125 – Eastside High – Covington, Ga.
- Top-8 finisher at the 2021 state tournament at 113 pounds.
- Two-time state qualifier at 113 pounds.
- Pursuing a degree in Zoology with a minor in Graphic Design
- Chose Wesleyan because of the small town, cool campus, student to staff ratio and coaching staff.
Cade Johnson – 165- Chesterton High – Valparaiso, Ind.
- Three-time semi-state qualifier.
- Two-time sectional champion at 152 and 170 pounds.
- Pursuing a degree in Business.
- Chose KWC for the opportunity to experience college wrestling and the learning environment that caters to small class sizes.
Will Kirtley – 197- Tell City JR/SR High – Tell City, Ind.
- Member of the 2021 Indiana Team State Champions.
- Two-time regional qualifier at 220 pounds.
- Pursuing a degree in Exercise Science
- Chose Wesleyan because of the proximity to home, small campus and the opportunity to help turn the program into a championship caliber team while achieving athletic goals.
Tristen Light -285-Monticello High- Monticello, Ga.
- Placed fifth as a senior at 220 pounds while accumulating over 100 wins in high school.
- Pursuing a degree in Sports Management
- Chose Wesleyan because of an open arms welcoming environment.
Chris Mapp -165 – College Station A&M Consolidated High – College Station, Texas
- Two-time state qualifier placing 5th as a senior at 170 pounds.
- Pursuing a degree in business administration
- Chose Wesleyan because of Coach McCabe and wanting to build the program while achieving academic and athletic goals.
Drayden McKerrow – 184/197 – Morris Community High School – Morris, Ill.
- Two-time sectional qualifier at 195 pounds
- Pursuing a degree in Business Management
- Chose Wesleyan because of the close-knit feel of the school and the friendly atmosphere.
Blake Pollard – 184 – Carmi-White County High – Carmi, Ill.
- Named MVP of Bulldog wrestling
- Valedictorian
- 195-pound representative for the All-South team.
- Pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice
- Chose Wesleyan because of the environment and hospitality provided by the school and coaching staff.
Owen Pulliam – 157 – Goreville High – Goreville, Ill.
- State qualifier
- First Team All-South 2020 and 2021.
- Regional champ and Academic All-State
- Pursuing a degree in Pre-Physical Therapy
- Chose Wesleyan to continue building the team’s success and earn a degree.
AJ Soto – 149 – Central High (Alabama) – Tucson, Ariz.
- Third place finish at the Alabama State Tournament.
- Pursuing a degree in Sports Psychology
- Chose Wesleyan because it is close to home as well as a great wrestling team and coach.
Avery Snyder – 149- Midview High – Grafton, Ohio
- Four-time varsity letterman
- Division 1 district qualifier and County All-Star.
- Pursuing a degree in Fitness and Sports Management and chose KWC to build our program and win the G-MAC.
Jackson White – 133 – Jasper County High – Monticello, Ga.
- Two-time state qualifier at 113 pounds.
- Pursuing a degree in Zoology
- Chose Wesleyan because of the small campus, small class size and great coaching staff.
